Gunmen Kill Policeman in Rivers 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of its personnel by hoodlums in Port Harcourt.   The spokesperson of the police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident yesterday, disclosed that the police victim was killed during a gun battle with the hoodlums who attacked him and colleagues while on a stop and search operation along Eliozu Flyover.

Iringe-Koko said: “We are deeply saddened to announce a heinous incident that occurred on February 21, 2024, involving an attack on policemen attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.

“At approximately 9:45 p.m. while conducting routine stop and search at Eliozu Flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus,  with fully tinted glasses. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time.”

The police spokesperson continued that “the assailants drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty undeterred.

“The police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralise one of them with mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.”

Iringe-Koko also informed that the command has launched a thorough investigation into the crime and has already identified the group responsible.

“Rest assured, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to justice. No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.

“It is important to emphasise that such acts of aggression against security forces detrimentally impact the safety and security of our entire society. The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to maintain peace and protect the well-being of the populace.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated that those who perpetrate violence against policemen or any citizen would face the full weight of the law.

He urged all law abiding citizens of Rivers State to continue with their daily activities without panic “as we are determined to uphold our mandate of preserving lives and property in the face of such challenges.”

The command, however, condoled with the family and colleagues of the fallen inspector and assured that his sacrifice would not be in vain.

“Our resolve to serve and protect remains unwavering as we stand together against those who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.”